Braking while downshifting/rev-match technique

**Nismo400rgtr** · 07-05-2011, 08:58 PM

I've been riding for nine years but not until recently have I been fascinated with more of the performance aspects of riding. I plan on attending a CSS next year. With some NESBA events to follow.

I'm practicing braking while rev-matching the downshift. I'm having a hell of a time maintaing a steady lever pressure while blipping for the downshift. Even with altered hand positions I still have a tendency to make slight jabs at the lever with the fingers. I'm using stock levers and A-star GP plus gloves(2009).

Anyone have any pointers/suggestions on how this can be overcome?

**jjsjr1313** · 07-06-2011, 05:43 AM

Grip the throttle in a relaxed manner. The throttle on Race setting is sesitive enough to just hold at a steady RPM when you downshift increase the revs just a little bit. Really pay attention to keeping all motions smooth. I practice everytime I ride. Think about not upsetting the geometry of the bike, when you downshift and brake load the front brake evenly. To match the revs say your at 8k in 3rd down shift to 2nd by holding the throttle at first and then moving the RPMs up a little release the clutch smoothly. I learned that you don't have to stab the throttle to get the revs to match. I only ride on the street so it's always at low speeds when I practice. Not at a track. Just keep practicing. Good

edchung · 07-06-2011, 11:52 AM

What are you "altered hand positions"?

I typically grab the brake with my first two fingers, then hold the throttle with my ring+pinky. When someone asks me "how" on a mechanical sense, I tell them to try lowering their arm instead of using their wrist (it's a trick - lowering your arm makes you use your wrist, but somehow doesn't trigger finger-stabby muscles).

All that said, I don't bother. We paid extra for the slipper clutches so that we wouldn't have to do this, didn't we?

**Nismo400rgtr** · 07-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edchung

What are you "altered hand positions"?

I typically grab the brake with my first two fingers, then hold the throttle with my ring+pinky. When someone asks me "how" on a mechanical sense, I tell them to try lowering their arm instead of using their wrist (it's a trick - lowering your arm makes you use your wrist, but somehow doesn't trigger finger-stabby muscles).

All that said, I don't bother. We paid extra for the slipper clutches so that we wouldn't have to do this, didn't we?

I was moving my wrist,not really my hand like mentioned initially. I'll try lowering the arm, seems to make sense.

I appreciate the replies. Thanks!

racrx451 · 07-06-2011, 05:45 PM

you do realize your bike has a slipper right??? y blip when you can grab 3 down shifts with the clutch?? also, NESBA will give you some great feedback on riding on the track so don't wait to go after CSS...go!

bananaman · 07-06-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racrx451

you do realize your bike has a slipper right??? y blip when you can grab 3 down shifts with the clutch?? also, NESBA will give you some great feedback on riding on the track so don't wait to go after CSS...go!

I found its a smoother transition to match revs with gear speed, if you get it wrong then slipper backs you up. If you need to get on the gas while slipper still working then its playing catchup....Of course theres always the noisey grin factor as well

Reciprocal · 07-06-2011, 07:27 PM

I wonder, do the AMA guys even use the clutch on those blipped downshifts? Seems like the whole point of the blip is to put a little pressure on the shift lever, and blip the throttle to make the gear change nearly instant.

Slipping the clutch lever just doesn't work that well for me, but I haven't wanted to abuse the transmission so I do slip it.

racrx451 · 07-06-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananaman

I found its a smoother transition to match revs with gear speed, if you get it wrong then slipper backs you up. If you need to get on the gas while slipper still working then its playing catchup....Of course theres always the noisey grin factor as well

if you need to get back on the throttle while down shifting, on the brakes then you're not going fast enough...

**Nismo400rgtr** · 07-06-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racrx451

you do realize your bike has a slipper right??? y blip when you can grab 3 down shifts with the clutch?? also, NESBA will give you some great feedback on riding on the track so don't wait to go after CSS...go!

I need to equip myself appropriately for local NESBA track days, ie. Trailer,tires,etc. So that'll take some time. Closest track to me is Toronto motorsports park.

This is a most likely a redundant question. But could someone explain slipper clutch operation to me? All I know of it is: for preventing the rear wheel from skidding when downshifting and not matching engine speed to wheel speed for the selected gear. This is the first bike I've owned with one. Your saying, I can downshift three gears and not worry about the rev-match?-which would allow me to be aware of braking and RP's better. I assume the clutch lever release when doing this is still a smooth one?

**Nismo400rgtr** · 07-06-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reciprocal

I wonder, do the AMA guys even use the clutch on those blipped downshifts? Seems like the whole point of the blip is to put a little pressure on the shift lever, and blip the throttle to make the gear change nearly instant.

Slipping the clutch lever just doesn't work that well for me, but I haven't wanted to abuse the transmission so I do slip it.

I don't think they use the clutch for downshifts. But even so, it requires a blip while braking which is something I'd like to be better at.